Photo of Rochelle De Forrest, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rochelle De Forrest
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ashland, OR 97520
Waitlist for new clients
I use art, play and other forms of creative techniques to help clients connect with and express thoughts, feelings and needs.
I believe that everyone can heal, and my goal is to facilitate healing for clients through the therapeutic process. People tend to heal and thrive in a therapeutic environment in which they fell listened to and understood, and that provides them with genuineness, sincerity, openness, acceptance and unconditional positive regard. I hope to match my approach to each client, specifically to their needs. At my office, I have 2 counseling rooms - one for children and one for teens and adults.
I use art, play and other forms of creative techniques to help clients connect with and express thoughts, feelings and needs.
I believe that everyone can heal, and my goal is to facilitate healing for clients through the therapeutic process. People tend to heal and thrive in a therapeutic environment in which they fell listened to and understood, and that provides them with genuineness, sincerity, openness, acceptance and unconditional positive regard. I hope to match my approach to each client, specifically to their needs. At my office, I have 2 counseling rooms - one for children and one for teens and adults.
(541) 920-1656 View (541) 920-1656
Photo of Kasey Hayden, MA, MEd, QMHP, NCC, LPC
Kasey Hayden
Professional Counselor Associate, MA, MEd, QMHP, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Ashland, OR 97520
My diverse training allows me to help clients using CBT, Somatic EMDR, yoga/mindfulness, attachment based, somatic therapy, art/ play therapy, family systems and extended training in SPACE: Supportive Parenting of Anxious Childhood Emotions.
I am passionate about being there for others helping them discover their strengths, build their resilience and increase their joy. My approach is client-centered and focuses on empathy, compassion, and being there for others so they feel truly seen. My hope is to meet clients where they are in each moment and help them find their inner strength to be their truest self. I am a wife, mother, and survivor of infertility that can relate to the struggles and joys of parenting and navigating relationships. I love to support parents, children, women and couples as they try to find their way during challenging times.
My diverse training allows me to help clients using CBT, Somatic EMDR, yoga/mindfulness, attachment based, somatic therapy, art/ play therapy, family systems and extended training in SPACE: Supportive Parenting of Anxious Childhood Emotions.
I am passionate about being there for others helping them discover their strengths, build their resilience and increase their joy. My approach is client-centered and focuses on empathy, compassion, and being there for others so they feel truly seen. My hope is to meet clients where they are in each moment and help them find their inner strength to be their truest self. I am a wife, mother, and survivor of infertility that can relate to the struggles and joys of parenting and navigating relationships. I love to support parents, children, women and couples as they try to find their way during challenging times.
(458) 203-8755 View (458) 203-8755
Photo of Rachel Amy Abel, LCSW, MS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Amy Abel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MS
Verified Verified
Ashland, OR 97520  (Online Only)
Play, sandbox and art therapy techniques are utilized as well.
Therapy can be a bridge to get you from where you are to where you want to be. Help is on the way! Let's work together to assist you to develop awareness of feelings and thoughts and learn how to manage and cope as well as thrive. I meet you where you are. If you are feeling anxiety, depression, or having issues related to trauma exposure we can work together on your journey to wellness and improved mental health. I treat clients 12 and up! Special areas of interest include self esteem, self expression, self compassion and acceptance as well as managing life transitions.
Play, sandbox and art therapy techniques are utilized as well.
Therapy can be a bridge to get you from where you are to where you want to be. Help is on the way! Let's work together to assist you to develop awareness of feelings and thoughts and learn how to manage and cope as well as thrive. I meet you where you are. If you are feeling anxiety, depression, or having issues related to trauma exposure we can work together on your journey to wellness and improved mental health. I treat clients 12 and up! Special areas of interest include self esteem, self expression, self compassion and acceptance as well as managing life transitions.
(541) 293-6787 View (541) 293-6787
Photo of Lisa B Izadpanah, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa B Izadpanah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ashland, OR 97520
Experiential Play Therapy helps children heal from trauma of any form plus normal developmental milestones.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 25 years and have worked in the mental health field for over 35 years. In my private practice, I specialize in Trauma Play Therapy with children 2 yrs-10 yrs, EMDR, Ego State Therapy/Structural Dissociation, high conflict custody cases, and foster/adoption cases. I am a Certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Therapist, Register Play Therapist, Certified Experiential Play Therapist, Advanced Alcohol and Drug Abuse Therapist, and Ego State Therapy . I also have extensive training in Art and Sand Tray Therapy, Yoga Therapy, and Pet Assisted Therapy.
Experiential Play Therapy helps children heal from trauma of any form plus normal developmental milestones.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 25 years and have worked in the mental health field for over 35 years. In my private practice, I specialize in Trauma Play Therapy with children 2 yrs-10 yrs, EMDR, Ego State Therapy/Structural Dissociation, high conflict custody cases, and foster/adoption cases. I am a Certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Therapist, Register Play Therapist, Certified Experiential Play Therapist, Advanced Alcohol and Drug Abuse Therapist, and Ego State Therapy . I also have extensive training in Art and Sand Tray Therapy, Yoga Therapy, and Pet Assisted Therapy.
(541) 275-6062 View (541) 275-6062
Photo of Jennifer Henderson, DBH, LPC, NCC, QMHP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Henderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, DBH, LPC, NCC, QMHP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520
Waitlist for new clients
For this reason I facilitate Sand play, Animal-assisted, Art and Play modalities that are applied through a neurodevelopmental lens.
My therapy practice has focused on interventions for complex family systems including co-parenting after divorce, raising special needs children or supporting patients with navigating agency involvement (child welfare, corrections, education). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) whose career was founded in Pediatrics. I have a strong commitment to helping families develop secure relationships and additionally offer attachment couples counseling using PACT, EFT and IFS models.
For this reason I facilitate Sand play, Animal-assisted, Art and Play modalities that are applied through a neurodevelopmental lens.
My therapy practice has focused on interventions for complex family systems including co-parenting after divorce, raising special needs children or supporting patients with navigating agency involvement (child welfare, corrections, education). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) whose career was founded in Pediatrics. I have a strong commitment to helping families develop secure relationships and additionally offer attachment couples counseling using PACT, EFT and IFS models.
(541) 397-0961 View (541) 397-0961
Photo of Ruthanne M Alexander - Alexander Counseling Center, MS, LPC, NCC, QMHP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alexander Counseling Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, QMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520  (Online Only)
Individually tailored, these include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Play Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Psychodynamic (Insight-Oriented) Therapy, Motivational Therapy, and EMDR therapy.
Emotional and psychological suffering often prevents a person from achieving happiness and experiencing a more rewarding outlook on life. Our therapists are highly skilled in addressing a wide variety of mental wellness concerns to help remove blocks to your happiness. Current therapists on staff are: Gina Messina Peitz, Shelby Hale, Melinda Lanning, Miranda Wheeler, and RuthAnne Alexander.
Individually tailored, these include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Play Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Psychodynamic (Insight-Oriented) Therapy, Motivational Therapy, and EMDR therapy.
Emotional and psychological suffering often prevents a person from achieving happiness and experiencing a more rewarding outlook on life. Our therapists are highly skilled in addressing a wide variety of mental wellness concerns to help remove blocks to your happiness. Current therapists on staff are: Gina Messina Peitz, Shelby Hale, Melinda Lanning, Miranda Wheeler, and RuthAnne Alexander.
(541) 526-5431 View (541) 526-5431
Photo of Desiree Elizabeth Coutinho, MSW
Desiree Elizabeth Coutinho
Clinical Social Work Associate, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520
I’m Desiree, a queer, woman of color therapist located in Southern Oregon. I specialize in working with individuals navigating trauma, helping them integrate past wounding, navigate fear, and cultivate acceptance. I am passionate about guiding clients through embodied grief processes, as a powerful tool for individual and collective healing and a way to reclaim our wellbeing. I work with all ages, but am especially interested in working with young adults, navigating anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health challenges related to living in uncertain times.
I’m Desiree, a queer, woman of color therapist located in Southern Oregon. I specialize in working with individuals navigating trauma, helping them integrate past wounding, navigate fear, and cultivate acceptance. I am passionate about guiding clients through embodied grief processes, as a powerful tool for individual and collective healing and a way to reclaim our wellbeing. I work with all ages, but am especially interested in working with young adults, navigating anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health challenges related to living in uncertain times.
(541) 834-9165 View (541) 834-9165
Photo of Meredith McFadden, MA, LPCC, CSHT, QMHP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Meredith McFadden
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC, CSHT, QMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520
I will skillfully guide you in finding your strength today! ALL persons can be released from limiting emotions/thought/behavior patterns, opening up more space for quality of life and love...each person's birthright. I am honored to listen deeply AND HEAR YOU, being licensed/certified 20+yrs. Through a collaborative effort we create a safe space to examine, release and restructure CORE beliefs holding you hostage... (which can promote anxiety-depression/negative behaviors/addictions). Using SOUND HEALING-BALANCING therapy is one effective, direct tool I use affording deep relaxation, clearing old patterns and accessing vision.
I will skillfully guide you in finding your strength today! ALL persons can be released from limiting emotions/thought/behavior patterns, opening up more space for quality of life and love...each person's birthright. I am honored to listen deeply AND HEAR YOU, being licensed/certified 20+yrs. Through a collaborative effort we create a safe space to examine, release and restructure CORE beliefs holding you hostage... (which can promote anxiety-depression/negative behaviors/addictions). Using SOUND HEALING-BALANCING therapy is one effective, direct tool I use affording deep relaxation, clearing old patterns and accessing vision.
(503) 567-4591 View (503) 567-4591
Photo of Autumn Stoutenburgh - Neurodivergence Affirming, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Autumn Stoutenburgh - Neurodivergence Affirming
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ashland, OR 97520  (Online Only)
Come as you are to this space and be accepted. While the goals of therapy for each individual vary, a common goal is to be able to experience a range of emotions and have the tools and skills to cope with them. I am here to support you in this journey, regardless of what place you are starting from. I work with two main groups of people. The first being children aged 1-10 and their families, usually on the topics of neurodivergence (specifically ADHD and OCD), attachment and relationship, foster care and adoption. The second group being adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, chronic health challenges, and parenting.
Come as you are to this space and be accepted. While the goals of therapy for each individual vary, a common goal is to be able to experience a range of emotions and have the tools and skills to cope with them. I am here to support you in this journey, regardless of what place you are starting from. I work with two main groups of people. The first being children aged 1-10 and their families, usually on the topics of neurodivergence (specifically ADHD and OCD), attachment and relationship, foster care and adoption. The second group being adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, chronic health challenges, and parenting.
(541) 845-8094 View (541) 845-8094
Photo of Michael J. Mesmer, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael J. Mesmer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Ashland, OR 97520
Alternatives increase our choices in life. Alternative psychotherapy considers all aspects of living, including work, lifestyle and spiritual practice, as well as thoughts and feelings, in healing our mind, body and spirit.
Alternatives increase our choices in life. Alternative psychotherapy considers all aspects of living, including work, lifestyle and spiritual practice, as well as thoughts and feelings, in healing our mind, body and spirit.
(458) 231-8560 View (458) 231-8560
Photo of Janiece Anjali Pllc, MEd, MA, LMHC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Janiece Anjali Pllc
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, MA, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520
Waitlist for new clients
Seeking counseling is a responsible way to take care of what matters most. As Toni Morrison told us, "It's good when you've got a woman who is a friend of your mind." I welcome diverse clients navigating many situations and specialize in recovery and post-traumatic growth from narcissistic abuse, misuse, and relational or social trauma. I also focus on loss, grief, anxiety, depression, adjustments to changes, life stages, and the promises and pitfalls of pursuing an authentic creative life.
Seeking counseling is a responsible way to take care of what matters most. As Toni Morrison told us, "It's good when you've got a woman who is a friend of your mind." I welcome diverse clients navigating many situations and specialize in recovery and post-traumatic growth from narcissistic abuse, misuse, and relational or social trauma. I also focus on loss, grief, anxiety, depression, adjustments to changes, life stages, and the promises and pitfalls of pursuing an authentic creative life.
(541) 348-6437 View (541) 348-6437
Photo of Toni Richmond, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Toni Richmond
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ashland, OR 97520
I have been working with children, teens, families and couples for almost 33 years. I provide a safe environment, creating a space for you to feel heard, work on issues brought to the session and manage whatever life lessons need to be learned. I work with clients who have experienced physical & sexual abuse ,grief, loss, separation & divorce, reunification, parenting issues, anger, PTSD, self injurious behaviors, ADHD, domestic violence, depression, critical incidence response, suicide and veterans issues.
I have been working with children, teens, families and couples for almost 33 years. I provide a safe environment, creating a space for you to feel heard, work on issues brought to the session and manage whatever life lessons need to be learned. I work with clients who have experienced physical & sexual abuse ,grief, loss, separation & divorce, reunification, parenting issues, anger, PTSD, self injurious behaviors, ADHD, domestic violence, depression, critical incidence response, suicide and veterans issues.
(541) 663-4860 View (541) 663-4860
Photo of Craig Blackard, MM, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Craig Blackard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MM, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Ashland, OR 97520
I work with clients skillfully to safely facilitate access to their own natural wisdom. I work specifically to craft the interpersonal space that supports growth in my clients. You may feel somehow broken, incomplete, or even bewildered. I remember these feelings from my own experience of healing and I use these experiences and vulnerabilities to guide my work as a therapist. Though the relationship is based on unconditional acceptance, my clients undergo remarkable transformation. I provide the skills of expert listening, empathy, clear boundaries, and genuineness to my clients.
I work with clients skillfully to safely facilitate access to their own natural wisdom. I work specifically to craft the interpersonal space that supports growth in my clients. You may feel somehow broken, incomplete, or even bewildered. I remember these feelings from my own experience of healing and I use these experiences and vulnerabilities to guide my work as a therapist. Though the relationship is based on unconditional acceptance, my clients undergo remarkable transformation. I provide the skills of expert listening, empathy, clear boundaries, and genuineness to my clients.
(541) 516-1707 View (541) 516-1707
Photo of Danesh Oleshko, LMFT, MA, LLM, CADC I, JD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Danesh Oleshko
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, LLM, CADC I, JD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520
My commitment is to offer effective therapy. As a person seeking therapy, you need a counselor who can understand and meet you where healing and growth is waiting to take place within you. Let's connect and find out if that counselor is me. I offer depth therapy that is emotionally sensitive, trauma-informed and transpersonal: integrating soul-searching and the management of daily life & relationships. My practice is integrative: weaving elements of nature therapy, body-centered expression and a receptive, feminine/masculine balanced approach.
My commitment is to offer effective therapy. As a person seeking therapy, you need a counselor who can understand and meet you where healing and growth is waiting to take place within you. Let's connect and find out if that counselor is me. I offer depth therapy that is emotionally sensitive, trauma-informed and transpersonal: integrating soul-searching and the management of daily life & relationships. My practice is integrative: weaving elements of nature therapy, body-centered expression and a receptive, feminine/masculine balanced approach.
(541) 204-8870 View (541) 204-8870
Photo of Richard M Stubbs, MT-BC, LPC, CATP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Richard M Stubbs
Licensed Professional Counselor, MT-BC, LPC, CATP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520
Richard Stubbs is one of three board certified music therapists licensed in Southern Oregon. He specializes in experiential therapies such as songwriting and lyric analysis, attachment focused music therapy, and an innovative integration of tabletop role-playing games into group therapy. Group therapy is focused on building interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and problem solving skills.
Richard Stubbs is one of three board certified music therapists licensed in Southern Oregon. He specializes in experiential therapies such as songwriting and lyric analysis, attachment focused music therapy, and an innovative integration of tabletop role-playing games into group therapy. Group therapy is focused on building interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and problem solving skills.
(458) 207-2469 View (458) 207-2469
Photo of Richard Dean Tanksley, MSW, CSWA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Richard Dean Tanksley
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, CSWA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520
I am passionate about working with families, individuals, and couples to help generate the change they desire. As an individual and family counselor, I believe that we hold and can find the answers to our problems. We create solutions and understandings that work for us in our environments. Therefore, I endeavor to create a friendly, informative, and supportive relationship where challenges can be explored and addressed in the best ways possible. It is important to me to counsel others with acceptance, honesty, and compassion. I enjoy learning about the lives and experiences of every type of person. I accept most clients.
I am passionate about working with families, individuals, and couples to help generate the change they desire. As an individual and family counselor, I believe that we hold and can find the answers to our problems. We create solutions and understandings that work for us in our environments. Therefore, I endeavor to create a friendly, informative, and supportive relationship where challenges can be explored and addressed in the best ways possible. It is important to me to counsel others with acceptance, honesty, and compassion. I enjoy learning about the lives and experiences of every type of person. I accept most clients.
(541) 275-9086 View (541) 275-9086
Photo of Robin Hutchins, LPC, MS, QMHP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robin Hutchins
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS, QMHP
Verified Verified
Ashland, OR 97520
Are you a teen, adult or parent with a child seeking to resolve trauma-related symptoms, increase emotional regulation, reduce anxiety or depression and wanting to improve your relationships? It can be valuable to explore your story openly with someone who is fully present to listen, who honors your individuality, inner wisdom and personal strengths, and who strives to create an environment of calm acceptance, trust and support where you can feel safe to work toward your goals for personal & familial health and wellbeing.
Are you a teen, adult or parent with a child seeking to resolve trauma-related symptoms, increase emotional regulation, reduce anxiety or depression and wanting to improve your relationships? It can be valuable to explore your story openly with someone who is fully present to listen, who honors your individuality, inner wisdom and personal strengths, and who strives to create an environment of calm acceptance, trust and support where you can feel safe to work toward your goals for personal & familial health and wellbeing.
(458) 236-5360 View (458) 236-5360
Photo of Ira Winograd, MA
Ira Winograd
Professional Counselor Associate , MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520
I am passionate about coming into the Here and Now with clients and believe in the healing power of being witnessed with presence and loving kindness. Using mindfulness based practices I focus on supporting clients in addressing issues of depression, anxiety, and identity issues. In session I emphasize bringing the client’s attention out of thoughts/stories and into their present moment bodily experience with the understanding that more immediate change can occur this way. I enjoy experiencing the client and counselor relationship as a microcosm of the client’s greater relational life, and an opportunity to do deep healing.
I am passionate about coming into the Here and Now with clients and believe in the healing power of being witnessed with presence and loving kindness. Using mindfulness based practices I focus on supporting clients in addressing issues of depression, anxiety, and identity issues. In session I emphasize bringing the client’s attention out of thoughts/stories and into their present moment bodily experience with the understanding that more immediate change can occur this way. I enjoy experiencing the client and counselor relationship as a microcosm of the client’s greater relational life, and an opportunity to do deep healing.
(541) 329-7283 View (541) 329-7283
Photo of Grenda David, MBA, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Grenda David
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520
It is truly possible to live a happy, balanced and serene life, and to be your authentic self in the process. Addictions, anxiety and depression don't have to be your norm nor the secrets you keep. You don't have to fake it to make it, nor do you have to suffer isolated and alone. I help individuals, couples and families sort things out and get on with living. Call today and let's talk about the changes you are seeking and how I can help.
It is truly possible to live a happy, balanced and serene life, and to be your authentic self in the process. Addictions, anxiety and depression don't have to be your norm nor the secrets you keep. You don't have to fake it to make it, nor do you have to suffer isolated and alone. I help individuals, couples and families sort things out and get on with living. Call today and let's talk about the changes you are seeking and how I can help.
(541) 209-5830 View (541) 209-5830
Photo of Arianna Badizadegan, MS, QMHP, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Arianna Badizadegan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, QMHP, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520
I have worked in crisis services and community mental health with children and adults. I practice primarily from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Person Centered (Rogerian) approaches, and have training in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I love working with clients who are ready to challenge themselves to grow through their experiences - clients who challenge themselves to step outside of their comfort zones to grow into better versions of who they are. I also appreciate when clients have clear goals and use therapy in the manner that best fits their style.
I have worked in crisis services and community mental health with children and adults. I practice primarily from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Person Centered (Rogerian) approaches, and have training in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I love working with clients who are ready to challenge themselves to grow through their experiences - clients who challenge themselves to step outside of their comfort zones to grow into better versions of who they are. I also appreciate when clients have clear goals and use therapy in the manner that best fits their style.
(458) 203-8552 View (458) 203-8552
1

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Play Therapy

Who is play therapy for?

Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.

Why do people need play therapy?

Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.

What happens in play therapy?

A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.

What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?

Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.

How long does play therapy last?

Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.